Adult Accounting Student Shares Journey Going Back to College

First-year Rasmussen College student, David Katz, shares his experiences going from a large, brick-and-mortar university to a career-focused degree program. Already equipped with a Sociology degree, David decided to return to school to pursue an Accounting degree. Read more on his journey to discovering his true career calling…

Explain your first experience with going to college?

I was not ready or prepared to make a life-altering decision regarding my future. I took college for granted and spent more time involved in social activities than academics. As a result, I was never able to find my calling and develop a passion to apply to a career.  I jumped around from major to major: veterinary medicine, journalism, political science and then sociology which, by default, is the field in which I received my Bachelor’s degree.

What made you want to go back and pursue a degree in accounting?

My professional career, so far, has been in sales. I am not satisfied by selling a product that anyone can sell with a few months of experience. I want to know that what I bring to the table is a needed specialty. Accounting is the driving force behind business. Without the understanding of where money goes and how it gets there your business will be severely crippled. The idea that accounting serves a higher purpose and actually makes a difference is very appealing to me. 

How do you foresee getting your degree this time being different than when you attended the University of Minnesota?

I have discovered over the past six years who I am as a person and where I know I will be the happiest and most successful.  With that knowledge, I am more motivated now than I have ever been in my life. Because I have a direction in my studies, I enjoy learning. Additionally, I am no longer 22 years old. I have responsibilities now.  I am recently married and in the next couple of years hope to have children.  I want to be able to support my family and believe that the degree I will receive from Rasmussen will push me in the right direction.    

How has your experience been so far going back to college to pursue a degree as an adult?

It has been wonderful. The biggest change is that I have work experience to draw from when approaching different class discussions and assignments.  Learning about management and business ethics has a whole new meaning now that I have been involved in professional situations that cater to both.

What are your professional plans for the future once you graduate with a Bachelor’s in accounting?

I plan to specialize in Forensic Accounting through the School of Business at Rasmussen. Additionally, I hope to obtain my CPA license, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and CFF (certified in financial forensics).

Learn more about accounting programs and the public accounting degree here.